"Ok so whenever some starts a sentence with 'knock knock' it's a joke?" "Yes! Or if there is laughter after a comment." The two sit and continue to observe. "Ok, so that was a joke there!" "No, that wasn't a joke" "But there was laughter after!" "Yes, but that wasn't real laughter." "There's different kinds … Continue reading Nervous laughter
Author: thomaspfduggan
Bedside Dictionary
In an attempt to improve my vocabulary I placed a dictionary beside my bed. I envisaged opening the book every night and joyfully expanding my grasp of the English language at a leisurely non-committal pace. It's been a month now and I've opened the dictionary maybe twice (if I'm being generous to myself). At this … Continue reading Bedside Dictionary
Retaining daily
I think companies only making an effort to retain employees when they hand in their notice is too little, too late. Why? Because so much effort goes into a job hunt! It's not a decision to be taken lightly. These days some companies require 6 rounds of interviews before offering a position. Most job hunts … Continue reading Retaining daily
Finding the right fit
Finding the right fit isn't exclusive to tailors. I think any creative will attest to a stage of trying on options looking for the one that 'feels right'. That's far too vague, come on now Tom! Does the following sound familiar? I'm going to replace 'told' with 'informed' because 'informed' just feels more right. Or … Continue reading Finding the right fit
Career creation
One thing I find admirable about creative individuals is their ability to create a career for themselves. Take the Wright brothers for example. They didn't reply to a job advert for Aeronautical Engineers. They created the job title Aeronautical Engineer. There was no such position before them. Or to come at it from another angle, … Continue reading Career creation
Selfish turned wise
There is a point on the spectrum when selfish behaviour becomes wise, necessary and required. We need not inform the divas and narcissists about this subtle transition but we should definitely enlighten the overworked aboard the freight train to Burnout Central. There comes a point when it benefits the patients more for the exhausted doctor … Continue reading Selfish turned wise
Problem solving faith
The following is an excerpt from Soren's conversation with a dear friend: I'm so lost, I have no idea what to do with my career. I find psychology fascinating and I felt a desire to become a psychologist but what if I gave someone bad advice and they committed suicide because of it? I had … Continue reading Problem solving faith
Coasting greatness
I think the ultimate test of greatness is complacency. Once you get to the top, do you coast or do you find new peaks to climb? That's why Sir Paul McCartney is so impressive. Yes his music isn't having the same impact as it had when he was 20 but he's still in the arena, … Continue reading Coasting greatness
Idealised hero worshipping
I think when it comes to hero worshipping the default is to take an idealised view. When we reminisce about Michael Jordan we talk about his time at the Bulls and omit his stint at the Wizards. It pains us to see Elvis at the end, so we watch reruns of his earlier days. And … Continue reading Idealised hero worshipping
Payment means no ads
You put up with the ads on YouTube because you're getting the content for free. It's irksome but it's a trade off we're willing to make. Same goes for the uproar at the news of potential ads coming to Netflix. "We pay our subscription fees so we don't have to see any ads, that's the … Continue reading Payment means no ads
